Control device for a module forming a lock mechanism

ABSTRACT

The invention device is directed to a Bowden-type cable containing a cable ( 14 ) which is provided with proximal ( 14 P) and distal extremities arranged in a jacket ( 18 ) having proximal ( 18 P) and distal extremities blocked by proximal ( 20 P) and distal arresting units. At least the first extremity ( 18 P) of the jacket ( 18 ) is connected to the first arresting unit ( 20 P) with the aid of a liaison unit ( 22 ) which is arranged on the first extremity ( 18 P) of the jacket ( 18 ). In a preferred embodiment, the liaison unit is moulded on the first extremity ( 18 P) of the jacket ( 18 ) and welded by ultrasound to the first arresting unit ( 20 ).

The present invention relates to an improved control device for a moduleforming a lock mechanism.

The prior art already discloses a control device for a module forming alock mechanism, of the type comprising a Bowden-type cable containing acable having two ends, a proximal end and a distal end respectively,this cable being housed in a jacket having two ends, a proximal end anda distal end respectively, which are immobilized by two proximal anddistal retaining elements.

This type of control device is used particularly for controlling a lockfor the opening leaf of a motor vehicle, particularly for the side doorof the vehicle.

The proximal end of the cable is connected to a control lever, alsoknown as a paddle handle, pivot-mounted on the opening leaf so that itcan be actuated from the inside of the vehicle. The distal end of thecable is connected to a control element for the module forming the lockmechanism. This module, provided with a latch, is arranged on theopening leaf so that, when the opening leaf is in the closed position,the latch engages with a striker borne by a corresponding frame.

When fitting the control device, it is particularly advisable to adjustthe length of the proximal end of the cable protruding outside thejacket, through the proximal end of the latter, so as to allow fortake-up of various functional play in the lock module and the controldevice. This adjustment makes it possible to achieve a desired travelfor the control lever.

After carrying out the adjustment above, the proximal end of the jacketis immobilized with respect to the proximal retaining element. It isknown practice to fasten the proximal end of the jacket to the proximalretaining element by an ultrasonic welding process.

However, the jacket is generally formed by a wire, particularly a metalwire, wound into a spiral with contiguous turns. This structure of thejacket does not always make it possible to obtain a quality ultrasonicweld providing the jacket with good pull-out resistance. In fact, theultrasonic waves in some cases cause deformation of the spiral formingthe jacket of the cable.

The object of the invention is to immobilize the end of a jacket on acorresponding retaining element with the aid of fastening means whichprovide effective resistance to pull-out and are well suited to a spiralstructure of the jacket.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a control device for amodule forming a lock mechanism, of the aforementioned type,characterized in that at least a first end of the jacket is connected toa corresponding first retaining element by means of a connecting elementattached to the first end of the jacket.

The connecting element attached to the first end of the jacket makes itpossible, when fastening this connecting element to the first retainingelement, particularly by ultrasound, to prevent deformation of thespirally wound wire forming the jacket of the cable. The connectingelement thus makes it possible to fasten the jacket to a retainingelement in an efficient and resistant manner.

According to other optional characteristics of this control device:

-   -   the connecting element is overmolded on the first end of the        jacket;    -   the connecting element is ultrasonically welded to the first        retaining element;    -   the connecting element and the first retaining element comprise        complementary welding faces each provided with fusible ribs, the        ribs borne by the welding face of the connecting element being        substantially perpendicular to the ribs borne by the welding        face of the first retaining element;    -   the complementary welding faces are provided on complementary        interlocking parts of the connecting element and the first        retaining element;    -   the interlocking part of the first retaining element forms a        longitudinal channel for the interlocking of the connecting        element, the welding face of the first retaining element forming        a base of the channel, the fusible ribs of the first retaining        element preferably extending longitudinally;    -   the complementary interlocking parts of the connecting element        and of the first retaining element comprise fusible        complementary welding shoulders;    -   the first retaining element contains two fusible ribs extending        longitudinally on either side of the jacket and two fusible        welding shoulders extending longitudinally on either side of the        jacket, the fusible ribs and the fusible welding shoulders of        the first retaining element thus being offset laterally with        respect to the jacket or, at the very least, with respect to the        axis of this jacket;    -   the interlocking part of the first retaining element is extended        by a shell provided with means for securing it to a fixed        support;    -   the first end of the jacket is its proximal end;    -   the proximal end of the cable is provided with a block for        securing this cable, the shell forming a housing for this        securing block;    -   the jacket is formed by at least one wire, particularly a metal        wire, wound into a spiral with contiguous turns;    -   the module forming a control mechanism is arranged in an opening        leaf of a motor vehicle, particularly a side door of the        vehicle.

A better understanding of the invention will be gained from reading thedescription below, which is given purely by way of example and withreference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a general view of a module forming a lock mechanism, providedwith a control device according to the invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the connecting element and thefirst retaining element, the connecting element being represented afterand before being fastened to the first retaining element, respectively;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connecting element in a position inwhich it has been turned over with respect to the position representedin FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional half-views of the connecting elementand the first retaining element, the connecting element beingrepresented before and after being fastened to the first retainingelement, respectively.

FIG. 1 represents a module 10 forming a lock mechanism controlled bymeans of a device 12 according to the invention.

In the example described, the module 10 is arranged in an opening leafof a motor vehicle, more specifically a side door of this vehicle.

The control device 12 is intended to connect a control element for themodule 10 with a conventional control lever (not shown), also known as apaddle handle, pivot-mounted on the opening leaf so that it can beactuated from the inside of the vehicle.

In the text hereinbelow, with consideration to the kinematic linkagebetween the control lever and the module 10, on the one hand the term“proximal” will be used to qualify a component close to the controllever and remote from the module 10 and, on the other hand, the term“distal” will be used to qualify a component remote from the controllever and close to the module 10.

The control device 12 comprises a Bowden-type cable which, in theconventional way, contains a cable proper which is slidably mounted in ajacket.

Thus, this Bowden cable contains a cable 14 having two ends, a proximalend and a distal end respectively. The figures show only the proximalend 14P of the cable. As is conventional, the proximal end 14P of thecable is provided with a block 16 for securing this cable to an elementlinked kinematically to the control lever. This block 16 is usually madeof a metal alloy commonly designated by the name “Zamak”.

The cable 14 is housed in a jacket 18 having two ends, a proximal end18P and a distal end 18D respectively. The jacket 18 is formed by atleast one wire, preferably a metal wire, wound into a spiral withcontiguous turns.

The distal end 18D of the jacket is immobilized by fastening in a mannerknown per se in a distal retaining element 20D borne by the module 10.

The proximal end 18P of the jacket is immobilized by fastening in aproximal retaining element 20P, which is represented in more detail inFIGS. 2 and 3.

According to the invention, at least one of the ends 18P, 18D of thejacket, namely the proximal end 18P in the example described, isconnected to one of the corresponding retaining elements 20P, 20D,namely the proximal retaining element 20P in the example described, bymeans of a connecting element 22 connected to the proximal end 18P ofthe jacket.

The connecting element 22 is preferably overmolded on the proximal end18P of the jacket and ultrasonically welded to the proximal retainingelement 20P.

The connecting element 22 and the proximal retaining element 20P containcomplementary interlocking parts. The interlocking part of the proximalretaining element 20P forms a longitudinal channel G for theinterlocking of the complementary part of the connecting element 22 (seein particular FIG. 3). The channel G extends substantially parallel tothe axial direction of the proximal end 18P of the jacket.

The interlocking part of the proximal retaining element 20P is extendedby a shell 24 provided with conventional means for securing it to afixed support (not shown) attached to the opening leaf. These securingmeans comprise two snap-locking tabs 26, for example.

It will be noted that the shell 24 forms a housing for the securingblock 16.

Complementary welding faces 28, 30 are provided on the complementaryinterlocking parts of the connecting element 22 and the proximalretaining element 20P. The welding face 30 of the proximal retainingelement 20P forms a base of the channel G.

As can be seen more particularly in FIG. 4, the welding face 28 of theconnecting element 22 is provided with fusible ribs 32, these beingsubstantially parallel to one another and perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction of the channel G.

Furthermore, as can be seen more particularly in FIGS. 3 and 5, thewelding face 30 of the proximal retaining element 20P is provided withfusible ribs 34, being two in number in the example described, which aresubstantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the channel Gand are arranged near the lateral edges of this channel.

The ribs 32 borne by the welding face 28 of the connecting element 22are therefore substantially perpendicular to the ribs 34 borne by thewelding face 30 of the proximal retaining element 20P.

The complementary interlocking parts of the connecting element 22 andthe proximal retaining element 20P comprise two pairs of fusiblecomplementary welding shoulders 36, 38. These fusible shoulders 36, 38extend, after welding, substantially parallel to the longitudinaldirection of the channel G. The two fusible shoulders 38 of the proximalretaining element 20P delimit the upper edges of the channel G.

The proximal retaining element 20P therefore contains two fusible ribs34 extending longitudinally on either side of the jacket 18, morespecifically on either side of the proximal end 18P thereof, and twofusible welding shoulders 38 extending longitudinally on either side ofthe jacket 18. Consequently, the fusible ribs 34 and the fusible weldingshoulders 38 of the proximal retaining element 20P are offset laterallywith respect to the jacket 18 or, at the very least, with respect to theaxis of this jacket 18.

This specific arrangement of the ribs 34 and the shoulders 38 (andtherefore the complementary shoulders 36) has the advantage that theweld is not produced in the axis of the jacket 18. This makes itpossible to prevent the weld being weakened as a result of deteriorationof wave propagation by the jacket 18. Furthermore, a lining, or liner,is generally housed within the jacket 18. The above arrangement of thefusible ribs and shoulders prevents undesirable bonding of the lining tothe cable 14, which would lead to malfunctions of the Bowden cable.

Fastening the proximal end 18P of the jacket to the proximal retainingelement 20P can be achieved simply.

First of all, the length of the proximal end 14P of the cable protrudingoutside the jacket 18, through the proximal end 18P thereof, is adjustedin a manner known per se so as to take up various functional play in themodule 10 and the control device 12.

The connecting element 22, having been overmolded on the jacket 18beforehand, is then fastened to the proximal retaining element 20P byultrasonic welding.

To perform the welding operation, the connecting element 22 and theproximal retaining element 20P are first of all arranged in aconventional prepositioning die 40, as is represented in FIG. 5.

Next, the connecting element 22 and the proximal retaining element 20Pare subjected in a manner known per se to ultrasonic waves which, on theone hand, lead to the fusion of the fusible complementary ribs 32, 34and, on the other hand, to the fusion of the fusible complementaryshoulders 36, 38, this taking place in the regions of contact betweenthese complementary ribs 32, 34 and between these complementaryshoulders 36, 38 (see FIG. 6).

Because the ultrasonic waves are not directly transmitted to the jacket18 but to the connecting element 22 attached to this jacket, they do notdeform the spiral structure of the jacket 18.

It will be noted that the fusible ribs 32, 34, which are substantiallyperpendicular to one another, provide a very strong fastening of theconnecting element 22 with the proximal retaining element 20P.

1. A control device for a module (10) forming a lock mechanism, of thetype comprising a Bowden-type cable containing a cable (14) having twoends, a proximal end (14P) and a distal end respectively, this cablebeing housed in a jacket (18) having two ends, a proximal end (18P) anda distal end (18D) respectively, which are immobilized by two proximal(20P) and distal (20D) retaining elements, characterized in that atleast a first end (18P) of the jacket (18) is connected to acorresponding first retaining element (20P) by means of a connectingelement (22) attached to the first end (18P) of the jacket (18).
 2. Thedevice as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the connectingelement (22) is overmolded on the first end (18P) of the jacket (18). 3.The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the connectingelement (22) is ultrasonically welded to the first retaining element(20P).
 4. The device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that theconnecting element (22) and the first retaining element (20P) comprisecomplementary welding faces (28, 30) each provided with fusible ribs(32, 34), the ribs (32) borne by the welding face (28) of the connectingelement (22) being substantially perpendicular to the ribs (34) borne bythe welding face (30) of the first retaining element (20P).
 5. Thedevice as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the complementarywelding faces (28, 30) are provided on complementary interlocking partsof the connecting element (22) and the first retaining element (20P). 6.The device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the interlockingpart of the first retaining element (20P) forms a longitudinal channel(G) for the interlocking of the connecting element (22), the weldingface (30) of the first retaining element (20P) forming a base of thechannel (G), the fusible ribs (34) of the first retaining element (20P)preferably extending longitudinally.
 7. The device as claimed in claim6, characterized in that the complementary interlocking parts of theconnecting element (22) and of the first retaining element (20P)comprise fusible complementary welding shoulders (36, 38).
 8. The deviceas claimed in claim 7 taken together, characterized in that the firstretaining element (20P) contains two fusible ribs (34) extendinglongitudinally on either side of the jacket (18) and two fusible weldingshoulders (38) extending longitudinally on either side of the jacket(18), the fusible ribs (34) and the fusible welding shoulders (38) ofthe first retaining element (20P) thus being offset laterally withrespect to the jacket (18) or, at the very least, with respect to theaxis of this jacket (18).
 9. The device as claimed in claim 5,characterized in that the interlocking part of the first retainingelement (20P) is extended by a shell (24) provided with means (26) forsecuring it to a fixed support.
 10. The device as claimed in claim 10,characterized in that the first end (18P) of the jacket (18) is itsproximal end.
 11. The device as claimed in claim 10 taken together,characterized in that the proximal end (14P) of the cable (14) isprovided with a block (16) for securing this cable (14), the shell (24)forming a housing for this securing block (16).
 12. The device asclaimed in claim 1, characterized in that the jacket (18) is formed byat least one wire, particularly a metal wire, wound into a spiral withcontiguous turns.
 13. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized inthat the module (10) forming a control mechanism is arranged in anopening leaf of a motor vehicle, particularly a side door of thevehicle.